What Agency Grants Green Cards?
Before September 2002, the agency that was charged with overseeing immigration issues was the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). In September 2002, Congress passed and President Bush signed the Homeland Security Act, transferring the powers of the INS to the Department of Homeland Security. The immigration service functions of the INS are now placed under the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS). Types of Green Card Categories Depending on your connection to the United States, you may qualify for a different green card category. The United States puts a limit, or quota, on the amount of green cards issued for people who fall into each green card category: • Immediate Family Members Visas – Immediate family members of U.S. citizens can qualify for a green card. This category of green cards is for those who are: • Spouses of U.S. citizens • Unmarried children under 21 with one U.S. citizen parent • Parents of a U.S. citizen under 21 • Step children or step par
